Varsity Colts complete 9-1 season on gridiron

ROXBURY TWP. Although they showed promise during their
progression through the Colts football program in previous years,
no one really knew what was in store for the Roxbury Colts Varsity
football team in 2000.

After consecutive seasons of 5-3 records at the Pee Wee and JV
levels, this team put it all together to win 9 out of 10 games,
most in very convincing fashion.

The team ripped off nine consecutive victories to start the
season, and suffered their only loss to an undefeated Randolph team
in the season finale. Exciting victories over Morristown (16-15)
and Rockaway (24-15) were the highlight games of the
year.

Coaches Dan Torlucci, Mike Jacobus and Tom Koch molded the
talent into an ex plosive offense and stingy defense that scored an
average of 24 points a game, while surrendering just 10. In fact,
many of the games were decided early with quick scores, and many of
the points scored by the opposition were late in the game with no
impact on the outcome.

The offense was lead by a talented backfield of halfbacks Mark
Solis and Jihad Castro, each of whom rushed for over 1,000 yards.
Add to that fullback Steven Clarke and quarterback Brett Grobarz,
and the result was 33 touchdowns. Leading the TD scoring was Solis
with 14, Castro with 10, and Clarke with six.

Grobarz contributed with two touchdowns plus six scoring passes.
Another critical offensive contributor was kicker Kevin Grandstaff,
who connected on 19 points after kicks, which count for two points
in the Morris County Midget Football League.

In fact, Grandstaff's two point conversions were key to the wins
against Morristown and Rockaway. Joseph Phil and Danny Bisson held
down the job of place holders, and Mike Cancelliere long-snapped,
contributing to the success of the kicking game.

Naturally, the offense is only successful if the line blocks to
create the holes. Bolstering the offensive line were Ryan Adams,
Cancelliere, Robert John Canning, David Rybicki, and Matt Williams,
along with ends Kevin Carroll, Andrew D'Agostino and
Grandstaff.

The defense was stellar, and featured 14 fumble recoveries, 14
quarterback sacks, and 14 interceptions (three of which were
returned for TDs by Solis, Castro, and Grobarz). Leading the attack
on the line were Adams, Williams, Canning, Rybicki, D'Agostino,
Hernandez, Randy Weber, Greg Scarnecchia, Kyle Byrd, Michael
Turley, Dan Smith, Shawn Buck and Mike Riccardi.

The season ended with a celebratory banquet which featured words
of wisdom from Roxbury High football coach John Quinn. Solis and
Castro were awarded as outstanding offensive players, and
Cancelliere and Grobarz were named as outstanding defensive
players.

The Varsity Colts will move on to the high school freshman
program next year, looking forward to contribute to the continued
success of the Roxbury High School football program.

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